Name: Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk (see note for easy substitution); 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3/4 cup butter; 6 Tablespoons buttermilk; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 Tablespoon vanilla

Introduction to Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Why Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is the Ultimate Homemade Treat?

Have you ever stumbled across a dessert that makes your taste buds dance with joy? Enter the peanut butter sheet cake! This cake is the epitome of comfort food, blending moist, fluffy cake with a luscious, gooey glaze that truly delivers the peanut butter flavor fans adore.

The best part? It's incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Imagine having a warm slice of cake right out of the oven, topped with a rich glaze that melts into every crevice—pure bliss!

With its simple ingredients and quick prep time, this treat is ideal for gatherings. Did you know that sheet cakes, such as this delightful recipe, are traditionally made to serve a crowd? That means you can bring this to a potluck or family get-together, and watch as everyone clamors for seconds.

So, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or need a sweet fix after a long week, this peanut butter sheet cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your dessert dreams come true! For more delicious baking ideas, check out this guide on cake types to further fuel your baking adventures!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

When it comes to baking a delightful peanut butter sheet cake, having the right ingredients on hand is key to achieving that perfect blend of moistness and flavor. Below, we'll break down what you'll need for both the cake and the luscious frosting.

Essential ingredients for the cake

To get started on your peanut butter sheet cake, gather these essentials:

¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup water
½ cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (an easy substitution can be made with regular milk and vinegar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These components come together to create a rich, moist cake that captures that irresistible peanut butter flavor.

Necessary ingredients for the frosting

Once your cake is baked to perfection, it’s time to whip up the frosting with these ingredients:

¾ cup butter
6 tablespoons buttermilk
½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

This frosting is what takes your peanut butter sheet cake from delicious to utterly divine! As you prepare, consider looking up expert baking tips here to elevate your skills even further. Happy baking!

Preparing Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Baking a Peanut Butter Sheet Cake is not only a delightful experience but also incredibly rewarding, especially for peanut butter enthusiasts. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dessert.

Preheat the oven and gather your ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an essential step because it ensures a consistent baking temperature for your cake. While the oven is warming up, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need creamy peanut butter, water, butter, sugars, flour, baking soda, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla for the cake, along with butter, buttermilk, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the frosting. Having your ingredients at hand makes the process so much smoother!

Make the peanut butter mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of water, and ½ cup of butter. Place it on the stove over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, remove it from heat. The peanut butter should melt nicely, creating a smooth mixture that forms the flavor base for your cake.

Combine the dry ingredients

While your peanut butter mixture is cooling, grab a large bowl to mix your dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisk these together using a fork or whisk until evenly distributed. This airates the dry ingredients, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your cake.

Mix everything together for cake batter

Pour the cooled peanut butter mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Then, add in 2 eggs, ½ cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s well-blended but be careful not to over-mix, as that can make your cake dense.

Bake and cool the cake

Pour the batter into a greased jellyroll pan (around 12x17 inches) or line it with parchment paper. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, since no one wants to over-bake a perfectly good peanut butter sheet cake! Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the peanut butter frosting

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up your peanut butter frosting. In a small pot, combine ¾ cup of butter, 6 tablespoons of buttermilk, and ½ cup of peanut butter. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from heat and stir in 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Mix it until smooth and creamy.

Frost the cake and let it set

Once your cake has completely cooled, pour the warm frosting over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides. Allow your peanut butter sheet cake to set for a bit before slicing into it. Enjoy the gooey goodness that this cake brings!

This straightforward approach to making your peanut butter sheet cake should give you a dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Check out other peanut butter recipes to expand your baking repertoire, and enjoy sharing this delicious treat!

Variations on Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Add chocolate for a decadent twist

Elevate your peanut butter sheet cake by swirling in some melted chocolate or adding chocolate chips to the batter. The rich, creamy flavor of chocolate complements the nutty notes, creating a dessert that's simply irresistible. You could even experiment with a chocolate ganache on top to really impress your guests! This combination brings that classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing you know and love to the forefront.

Experiment with nut toppings for crunch

For an extra crunch, try sprinkling chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over your peanut butter sheet cake frosting. This simple touch adds texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the peanut butter experience. Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts or drizzle a bit of caramel for that sweet-savory contrast. The result? A delightful cake that checks all the boxes for flavor and satisfaction!

For more peanut butter inspirations, check out this great article that explores creative ways to incorporate peanut butter into your baking!

Cooking tips and notes for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Ensure even baking with proper pan prep

To achieve that perfect peanut butter sheet cake texture, ensure your pan is well-prepped. Lightly grease your 12x17 jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper. This setup not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking. Something as simple as this can make a world of difference in texture, ensuring a moist and fluffy cake every time.

The importance of room temperature ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial in baking. When your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature, they blend more seamlessly into the batter, helping to create a light and airy peanut butter sheet cake. It’s a great tip to remember for many recipes—take the time to pull those ingredients out of the fridge before you start cooking! Check out this article on ingredient temperatures for more insights on baking success.

Serving suggestions for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Looking to elevate your Peanut Butter Sheet Cake experience? Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement this sweet treat.

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Nothing pairs quite like a warm slice of peanut butter sheet cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The coolness of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake and its gooey frosting, creating a heavenly combination. Want to take it up a notch? Consider drizzling some chocolate syrup on top for an extra indulgence.

Top with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast

Add a burst of freshness by topping your peanut butter sheet cake with assorted fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the cake, making each bite a balanced delight. Plus, they add a pop of color that makes your dessert visually stunning! If you’re feeling creative, try mixing them into a berry compote for a tangy topping.

With these serving suggestions, you're all set to impress your guests—or simply treat yourself!

Time breakdown for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Preparation time
Getting everything ready for your peanut butter sheet cake takes about 15 minutes. Gather your ingredients, mix your batter, and prepare your baking pan.

Baking time
The cake itself bakes in just 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking—this is crucial for a moist finish!

Total time
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious sheet cake ready to be topped with that irresistible peanut butter glaze. Perfect for any gathering or a quick midweek treat!

Need tips on perfecting your baking technique? Check out this guide on baking basics. Happy baking!

Nutritional Facts for Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Understanding the nutritional profile of your peanut butter sheet cake is crucial, especially if you're mindful of your dietary intake. Here’s a quick look at what this delightful dessert offers:

Calories

Each serving of this moist peanut butter sheet cake contains approximately 250 calories. While it's an indulgence, it can fit into an active lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation.

Protein

Packed with 4 grams of protein per slice, this cake delivers a satisfying boost. The protein primarily comes from the eggs and peanut butter, giving it a wholesome feel that complements its delicious taste.

Sugars

Each serving has roughly 20 grams of sugar. While sweet, the combination of sugars from both granulated and brown sugar elevates the cake's flavor profile, balancing the rich nuttiness of the peanut butter beautifully.

When you're crafting your next dessert menu, consider this peanut butter sheet cake as a delightful, protein-rich option that's sure to please your guests. For more insights on cooking with peanut butter, check out resources from the Peanut Butter & Co. blog.

FAQs about Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Absolutely! This peanut butter sheet cake is quite forgiving when it comes to ingredient swaps. You can use any nut butter if you're looking for a different flavor, and granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier option. If you're short on buttermilk, see below for a quick fix.

How do I store leftover cake?

To keep your peanut butter sheet cake fresh, store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. After that, transfer to the fridge, where it can last up to a week. But let's be real – it probably won't last that long!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a simple substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voila—you’ve got homemade buttermilk!

For more tips on ingredient substitutions, check out this resource.

Conclusion on Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

In conclusion, this peanut butter sheet cake is a delightful addition to any gathering. Its moist texture paired with a rich glaze makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try, and savor every bite!